Sampling port system

ABSTRACT

A sampling port system for providing a self-sealing access port for the extraction of liquid or gas samples from a container. The sampling port system includes a housing having a threaded lumen, at least one sealing structure threadably positionable within the threaded lumen, and a plug threadably positionable within the threaded lumen above the sealing structure. The housing is preferably positioned within an existing threaded port within the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to waste container sampling ports and more specifically it relates to a sampling port system for providing a self-sealing access port for the extraction of liquid or gas samples from a container.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Waste containers for storing fluids and gases have been in use for years. Conventional waste containers include but are not limited to drums, steel waste boxes, specially designed containers known as “pipe overpack containers” (POC), and various other containers. Waste containers have various sizes (e.g. 30, 55, 80, 85, 110 gallons) and shapes (e.g. cylindrical, rectangular). Current nuclear waste disposal requirements include the sampling and analysis of the headspace gases within waste containers.

[0005] One conventional system for allowing sampling of headspace gases and liquids within a waste container is comprised of a self-tapping screw that is not replaceable and that does not allow for the “stacking” of septa within. Another conventional system for allowing sampling within a waste container is comprised of a small septum-protected sample port that is incorporated into a carbon filter design. In both conventional sampling systems, the size of the sampling needle is limited and there is insufficient room for utilizing a plurality of septa. In addition, both conventional sampling systems are susceptible to leakage and loss of the overall integrity of the waste container. A further problem is that after sampling of the waste container, the filter must be immediately replaced to avoid contamination.

[0006] Examples of patented devices and systems which are illustrative of such prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,316 to Wallace; U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,197 to Newberg et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,222 to Minshull et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,311,899 to Isayama et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,144,979 to Shobuzako et al.

[0007] While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for providing a self-sealing access port for the extraction of liquid or gas samples from a container. Conventional sampling systems for waste containers are not flexible to utilize and sometimes contribute to the overall loss of integrity to the waste container.

[0008] In these respects, the sampling port system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a self-sealing access port for the extraction of liquid or gas samples from a container.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of waste container sampling systems now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new sampling port system construction wherein the same can be utilized for providing a self-sealing access port for the extraction of liquid or gas samples from a container.

[0010] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new sampling port system that has many of the advantages of the waste container sampling devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new sampling port system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art waste container sampling devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.

[0011] To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a housing having a threaded lumen, at least one sealing structure threadably positionable within the threaded lumen, and a plug threadably positionable within the threaded lumen above the sealing structure. The housing is preferably positioned within an existing threaded port within the container.

[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

[0013] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0014] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a sampling port system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

[0015] A second object is to provide a sampling port system for providing a self-sealing access port for the extraction of liquid or gas samples from a container.

[0016] Another object is to provide a sampling port system that may be utilized in various waste container designs and structures.

[0017] An additional object is to provide a sampling port system that reduces the potential exposure of an individual and the environment to hazardous chemicals.

[0018] A further object is to provide a sampling port system that reduces the cost of sampling.

[0019] Another object is to provide a sampling port system that allows for re-sampling without incurring increased risks of contamination.

[0020] A further object is to provide a sampling port system that eliminates the need for replacing the filter of a waste container.

[0021] Another object is to provide a sampling port system that prevents the inflow of outside air into the interior of the container during sampling.

[0022] A further object is to provide a sampling port system that has a height lower than the outer edge of conventional waste drums thereby minimizing the potential for damage during manipulation of the container.

[0023] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0026]FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention threadably positioned and sealed within an interiorly threaded port of a waste container.

[0027]FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 3 is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention.

[0029]FIG. 4 is a cutaway upper perspective view of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 5 is a cutaway upper perspective view of the present invention with a sampling syringe extending through the septum.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a cutaway side view of the present invention illustrating the septum positioned below the sealing structure.

[0032]FIG. 7 is a side exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention utilizing a compression-type blind fastener for sealing within the container.

[0033]FIG. 8 is a side exploded view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention utilizing a pair of fender washers, an O-ring, and an interiorly threaded fastener.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 8 illustrate a sampling port system 10, which comprises a housing 20 having a threaded lumen 26, at least one septum 70 positioned within the threaded lumen 26, and a plug 30 threadably positionable within the threaded lumen 26 above the sealing structure 40. The housing 20 is preferably positioned within an existing threaded port within the container 12.

[0035] As can be appreciated, the container 12 may have various shapes, structures and sizes in addition to that illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The container 12 typically has an upper surface wherein fluid within the container 12 defines a headspace containing gases. The container 12 may or may not have an existing threaded port for receiving the housing 20.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 8 of the drawings, the housing 20 is comprised of an elongate structure. The housing 20 includes a head 22 that may have various shapes and configurations for allowing engagement thereof. The housing 20 further includes a length of exterior threading 24 as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings. The exterior threading 24 may be threadably received by an existing threaded port within the container 12 as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. It can be appreciated that the housing 20 may not require exterior threading 24 if the housing 20 can be secured within the container 12 utilizing other conventional securing means that are well known in the art. A rubber washer 21 or similar sealing device may be utilized to seal the housing 20 within the housing 20 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 of the drawings.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings, the housing 20 further includes a threaded lumen 26 extending inwardly from an upper opening. The housing 20 also includes a floor 28 opposite of the upper opening. A lower aperture 29 extends through the floor 28 as best shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. The lower aperture 29 is preferably positioned concentric within the housing 20 and has a size sufficient for receiving the needle 16 of a syringe 14 as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 3 through 6 of the drawings, at least one sealing structure 40 is threadably positionable within the threaded lumen 26 of the housing 20. The sealing structure 40 has a rigid exterior portion having exterior threads that threadably engage the threaded lumen 26 of the housing 20. An inner portion of the sealing structure 40 is bored through for receiving the needle 16 as shown in FIG. 5 of the drawings. At least one groove 44 or engaging cavity may be positioned within the exterior portion of the sealing structure 40 for allowing a tool to engage for rotating the sealing structure 40.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings, a septum 70 is preferably positioned within the lower inner portion of the housing 20 between the sealing structure 40 and the floor 28. The septum 70 is preferably comprised of silicone rubber material, however various other materials having similar sealing properties may be utilized. The septum 70 is preferably compressed by the sealing structure 40 after removal of the needle 16 thereby further sealing the septum 70 about the lower aperture 29 within the housing 20 as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings.

[0040] As further shown in FIGS. 2 through 4 of the drawings, plug 30 having exterior threads is threadably positioned within the threaded lumen 26 of the housing 20. The plug 30 is comprised of a solid rigid structure and includes an engaging cavity 32 or similar structure for receiving a tool thereby allowing manipulation thereof.

[0041] If a container 12 does not have an existing threaded port, the user may utilize either of the structures shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 of the drawings. In both alternative embodiments of the present invention, a hole is cut into the container 12 in the desired location where the sampling port system 10 is to be positioned.

[0042]FIG. 7 of the drawings illustrates the usage of a blind fastener 50 that has a compressed portion 52 and an upper flange 54 that seal about the ceiling of the container 12. The housing 20 threadably extends into the blind fastener 50 thereby compressing the compressed portion 52 against the inner portion of the ceiling of the container 12.

[0043]FIG. 8 illustrates the usage of an upper washer 60, an O-ring, a lower washer 62 and a threaded nut 64. The threaded nut 64 threadably engages the exterior threading 24 of the housing 20 thereby compressing the washers 60, 62 in a sealed manner against the ceiling or wall of the container 12 as shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings.

[0044] In use, the user threadably positions the housing 20 within the container 12 as shown in FIGS. 1, 7 or 8 of the drawings. The user then inserts a septum 70 within the lower inner portion of the housing 20 for enclosing and sealing the lower aperture 29 within the floor 28. The user then threadably inserts one or more sealing structure 40 within the threaded lumen 26 of the housing 20. The sealing structure 40 preferably is positioned adjacent to the septum 70 for compressing the septum 70. It can be appreciated that more than one septum 70 and sealing structure 40 pair may be positioned within the housing 20 to increase the sealing of the container 12 during extended usage by “stacking” the septum 70 and sealing structures 40. The user then inserts the plug 30 within the housing 20 to protect the sealing structure 40 from damage and deterioration. When the user desires to remove a sample of gas or liquid from the container 12, the user first removes the plug 30 from the housing 20. The user then inserts the needle 16 of the syringe 14 (or other similar structure) through the sealing structure 40 then through the septum 70 and finally through the lower aperture 29 thereby allowing the withdrawal of the gas or liquid. After the desired volume of liquid or gas has been removed, the user then removes the needle 16 from the housing 20 wherein the septum 70 automatically seals the interior portion of the container 12 from exposure to the outside air and for preventing the contents of the container 12 from escaping the container 12. The user may add another septum 70 and sealing structure 40 within the housing 20 to ensure proper sealing of the container 12. The user then reinserts the plug 30 into the housing 20 for protecting the sealing structure 40 from damage. The process may be repeated numerous times for additional samplings as can be appreciated.

[0045] As to a farther discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided.

[0046] With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0047] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A sampling port system, comprising: a housing having an upper opening, a threaded lumen, a floor, and a lower aperture within said floor; and at least one sealing structure threadably positioned within said threaded lumen, wherein said at least one sealing structure is able to self-seal after the withdrawal of a narrow object.
 2. The sampling port system of claim 1, including a plug threadably positioned within said threaded lumen above said at least one sealing structure.
 3. The sampling port system of claim 2, wherein said plug includes an engaging cavity.
 4. The sampling port system of claim 1, including at least one septum within positioned beneath said at least one sealing structure.
 5. The sampling port system of claim 4, wherein said at least one septum is comprised of a resilient and sealing material.
 6. The sampling port system of claim 5, wherein said septum is comprised of a rubber material.
 7. The sampling port system of claim 6, wherein said at least one sealing structure includes at least one groove for allowing manipulation of said at least one sealing structure.
 8. The sampling port system of claim 6, wherein said at least one sealing structure includes at least one engaging cavity for allowing manipulation of said at least one sealing structure.
 9. The sampling port system of claim 8, wherein said at least one sealing structure includes a concentric aperture.
 10. The sampling port system of claim 1, wherein said at least one sealing structure includes a concentric aperture.
 11. The sampling port system of claim 1, including a means for securing said housing within said container.
 12. The sampling port system of claim 1, including a plug threadably positioned within said threaded lumen above said at least one sealing structure.
 13. The sampling port system of claim 12, wherein said plug includes an engaging cavity.
 14. The sampling port system of claim 11, wherein said at least one sealing structure is comprised of an outer rigid structure threadably engaged within said threaded lumen and a septum positioned beneath said at least one sealing structure.
 15. The sampling port system of claim 14, wherein said septum is comprised of a resilient and sealing material.
 16. The sampling port system of claim 15, wherein said septum is comprised of a rubber material.
 17. The sampling port system of claim 16, wherein said outer rigid structure includes at least one groove for allowing manipulation of said at least one sealing structure.
 18. The sampling port system of claim 16, wherein said at least one sealing structure includes at least one engaging cavity for allowing manipulation of said at least one sealing structure.
 19. The sampling port system of claim 18, wherein said at least one sealing structure includes a concentric aperture.
 20. The sampling port system of claim 11, wherein said at least one sealing structure includes a concentric aperture. 